Hearing aid systems

ABSTRACT

Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/212,406, filed Aug. 26, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/492,913, filed Jan. 20, 2000, both of which areincorprated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to hearing aid systems. Moreparticularly, it pertains to fitting, programming, or upgrading hearingaid systems.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Sound systems can be broken down into three general components: an inputdevice (such as a microphone); a processing system (such as a digitalsignal processor); and an output device (such as a speaker). Sounds arepicked up by the microphone, transmitted to the processing system wherethey are processed, and then projected by the speaker so that the soundscan be heard at an appropriate distance.

The described sound systems may include a hearing aid device. Thehearing aid device serves a patient by picking up desired sounds,processing them, and projecting them into the ear of the patient tofacilitate communications. The processing system of the hearing aiddevice is adjusted to fit a specific patient.

Adjustment of hearing aid devices to fit a patient is laborious and timeintensive. An audiologist who is engaged in the fitting of hearing aiddevices must, during a session with a patient, have on hand not onlyhearing aid devices from different manufacturers, but also equipment toadjust the different hearing aid devices. The equipment includesproprietary programming hardware and software, interface hardware, andconnector cables from these different manufacturers. The process ofreconnecting different interface hardware and connector cables rendersthe fitting experience frustrating for both the audiologist and thepatient.

What has also been frustrating is that there is a lack of a reliablemethod to ensure that the software on the hearing aid devices or theprogramming hardware is current. An updated version of software may havebeen released, but this updated software often does not get installed.This may be due to miscommunications, forward incompatibility betweenolder equipment and newer software, procrastination, or perhaps it isbecause the audiologist was not trained to maintain a complicatedsoftware system. This problem prevents a patient from benefiting fromnewer software.

Thus, what is needed are systems, methods, and structures to fit,program, or upgrade hearing aid systems.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems with hearing aid systems as well as otherproblems are addressed by the present invention and will be understoodby reading and studying the following specification. Systems, methods,and structures are described which address the problems of programminghearing aid systems.

One illustrative embodiment includes a method. The method includesprogramming a hearing aid system using at least one wirelesscommunication protocol.

Another illustrative embodiment includes a method for tailoring anaudiological therapy for a patient. The method includes deriving atleast one audiological parameter by obtaining data about at least oneaural response of the patient, and programming a hearing aid systembased on the at least one audiological parameter by a mobile device soas to tailor an audiological therapy for the patient.

Another illustrative embodiment includes a business method. The businessmethod includes deriving at least one audiological parameter byobtaining data about at least one aural response of a patient, upgradinga piece of software capable of executing on the hearing aid system basedon the at least one audiological parameter, wherein upgrading includesdownloading the software by a mobile device. The business method furthercomprises charging for upgrading the software in the hearing aid system.

Another illustrative embodiment includes a system. The system comprisesa hearing aid system and a mobile device adapted to program the hearingaid system. The system further comprises a server adapted to communicatewith the mobile device. The system further comprises at least onenetwork to facilitate communications at least among the hearing aidsystem, the mobile device, and the server.

These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and drawings orby practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a process diagram illustrating a method in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a process diagram illustrating a method in accordance with oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a system that includes a hearingaid device, a mobile device and a remote server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describesubstantially similar components throughout the several views. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilizedand structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The embodiments described herein focus on, among other things,programming hearing aid systems. One component of a hearing aid systemincludes a processing system. The processing system provides audiosignal processing. The audio signal processing includes audiologicalparameters that may be adjusted so as to enhance the sense of hearingfor a patient. This adjustment of the audiological parameters is atailoring of an audiological therapy for a specific patient.

In tailoring, the patient is tested to obtain aural responses to variousconditions. These responses are then used to determine whichaudiological parameters to adjust as well as the ranges of audiologicalparameter values that may be adjusted. Different brands of hearing aidmay have different audiological parameters. This process of adjustmentmay be considered a programming of the hearing aid system.

Such programming of the hearing aid system may be accomplished usingwireless information technology. Information technology has grown at anunprecedented rate as a result of the synergistic marriage ofcommunication networks and the computer. Milestones in the developmentof these communication networks have included the wired telephonenetworks, radio, television, cable, cellular networks, and communicationsatellites. Computers have made dramatic progress from being hulkingmachines with human operators to today=s postage-stamp-size integratedcircuits. The merging of the communication networks and the computer hasreplaced the model of forcing workers to bring their work to the machinewith a model of allowing anyone to access information on any computersat diverse locations and times.

The programming of hearing aid systems can leverage from that synergy ofcommunication networks and the computer. One consequence of theexecution of the described embodiments is that a professional can focuson his/her main task—providing the best audiological therapy to apatient through a hearing aid system—and not focus on managing acomplicated software or programming system. The term professional meansthe inclusion of anyone, such as an audiologist, who is capable andqualified for providing professional services related to providingaudiological therapy. This is possible because the embodiments providethe appropriate software and information at the instant they are neededby the professional. In yet other embodiments, diagnostics andadjustment can be made without the immediate presence of a professional.In one embodiment, such diagnostics and adjustment is initiated by apatient. Because of the ability of the patient to initiate remotecommunication with either a professional or to the central server thatcomprises an expert system trained in providing audiological therapy,the patient can benefit from diagnostics and adjustments to the hearingaid system even without the presence of a professional. In anotherembodiment, the diagnostics and adjustment is initiated by the remoteserver. The following embodiments discuss that and other concepts.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. The system 100 includes a hearing aid system 102 that isadapted to wear by a person. The hearing aid system 102 is capable ofaudio signal processing. Such an audio signal processing system can beused, for example, to tailor the hearing aid system 102 to provide anappropriate audiological therapy for a specific patient. In oneembodiment, the hearing aid system 102 comprises a hearing aid device102 ₀. In this embodiment, the hearing aid system 102 may comprise adigital signal processor that is capable of accepting differentgenerations of software. In another embodiment, the hearing aid device102 ₀ is capable of digital audio compression and decompression.

In another embodiment, the hearing aid system 102 comprises a hearingaid device 102 ₀ and a programming module 102 ₁. The programming module102 ₁ is communicatively coupled to the hearing aid device 102 ₀. Theterm communicatively coupled means the inclusion of wireless coupling orwired coupling. In one embodiment, the hearing aid device 102 ₀ and theprogramming module 102 ₁ are each capable of digital audio compressionand decompression. In another embodiment, the programming module 102 ₁is capable of sending a test signal to the hearing aid device 102 ₀ soas to test for at least one aural response of the patient. In anotherembodiment, the programming module 102 ₁ includes a headset. In anotherembodiment, the programming module 102 ₁ is adapted to provide Bluetoothwireless connectivity, signal processing, and power for programming ofthe hearing aid device 102 ₀. In one embodiment, the programming module102 ₁ is adapted to be worn around the patient=s neck, or integratedinto a headset or eyeglass fixture.

The hearing aid system 102 can communicate bi-directionally via ashort-range network 104. In one embodiment, the short-range network is apico-cellular network. In another embodiment, the short-range networkincludes a network occupying an un-licensed frequency-band. In oneembodiment, the short-range network 104 includes wired networking. Inanother embodiment, the short-range network 104 includes a wirelessshort-range network such as a radio transmission network or an opticaltransmission network. One implementation of the radio transmissionnetwork includes Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth technology provides ashort-range, low-cost radio communication link. Bluetooth may be used toreplace wired cables that connect peripherals to this sample ofequipment: cellular phones, audio headsets, computer laptops, personaldigital assistants, digital cameras, etc. Another implementation of theradio transmission network includes HomeRF, DECT, PHS, or Wireless LAN(WLAN), or other equivalent proprietary wireless communicationsprotocols that do not depart from the present invention.

An optical transmission network provides short-range wirelessconnectivity for line-of-sight applications. This type of networkincludes the Infrared Data Associate (IrDA) protocol.

The hearing aid system 102 can communicate with a device 106 facilitatedby the short-range network 104. In various embodiments, the device 106includes a mobile device or a terminal. The term Amobile device@ meansthe inclusion of a digital cellular telephone, a personal digitalassistant, a personal communication and information device. Furthermore,the term Amobile device@ means the inclusion of a handheld device. Theterm Aterminal@ means the inclusion of a data terminal. The termApersonal digital assistant@ means the inclusion of a portablepersonal-computing device. The term Apersonal communication andinformation device@ means the inclusion of a device capable of mobilecommunication as well as being capable of functioning as a personaldigital assistant. In one embodiment, the device 106 can provideinstructions to the hearing aid device 102 ₀ so as to tailor theaudiological therapy, program existing software, or upgrade to newsoftware. In another embodiment, the device 106 can provide instructionsto the programming module 102 ₁ so as to tailor the audiologicaltherapy, program existing software, or upgrade to new software. Inanother embodiment, the device 106 is adapted to store and execute abrowser. The term browser means the inclusion of a software environmentthat is adapted to receive and execute distributed applications, such asapplets. The device 106 is adapted to use data service protocol such asGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High-Speed Circuit-Switched DataService (HSCSD), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE), IntegratedServices Digital Network (ISDN), Universal Mobile TelecommunicationsSystem (UMTS), or Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD). In oneembodiment, the data service protocol can be a wireless data serviceprotocol.

The device 106 can communicate bi-directionally via a long-rangewireless network 110. In one embodiment, the long-range wireless networkincludes cellular network. In another embodiment, the long-rangewireless network includes a paging network. In another embodiment, thelong-range wireless network includes a multimedia communicationsnetwork. In another embodiment, the long-range wireless network 110includes wireless technologies such as Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access-One (cdmaOne), TimeDivision Multiple Access (TDMA), PDC, Japan Digital Cellular (JDC),Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code DivisionMultiple Access-2000 (cdma2000), and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony(DECT).

A gateway 112 is communicatively coupled to the long-range wirelessnetwork 110. The term gateway is understood to mean the inclusion of adevice that connects networks using different communications protocolsso that information can be passed from one network to the other withoutincompatibility.

The gateway 112 connects Internet 114 to the long-range wireless network110. In one embodiment, the term Internet means the inclusion of aworldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the TCP/IP suiteof protocols to communicate with one another. In another embodiment, theterm Internet means the inclusion of Internet2.

A server 116 is coupled to the Internet 114. In one embodiment, theserver 116 is adapted to communicate with the device 106 through theInternet 114 and the long-range wireless network 110. In one embodiment,the device 106 is adapted to synchronize data with the server, such asthe personal digital assistant. In another embodiment, the device 106 isadapted to receive an upgraded audiological software from the server116. In one embodiment, the server 116 includes a database that includespatient data and audiological data associated with at least one type ofhearing aid system. The server 116 stores a number of distributedapplications, such as Java applications. The term Java application meansthe inclusion of a Java applet. The term distributed application meansthe inclusion of an object that can be distributed through mechanisms,such as Java-based distribution techniques, Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture (CORBA), or Component Object Model (COM). These distributedapplications are adapted to interact with the hearing aid system 102.

In one embodiment, these distributed applications, such as a Javaapplet, are adapted to move from the server 116 to the device 106 toexecute on the device 106. In another embodiment, once a distributedapplication is executed on the device 106, the device 106 may interactwith the hearing aid system 102 through the user interface provided bythe distributed application. In yet another embodiment, the distributedapplication when moved to the device 106 would dynamically plug intoexisting software that includes a user interface already on the mobiledevice.

When such distributed applications are executing on the device 106, thedistributed applications are adapted to receive additional informationfrom the server 116. Such distributed applications are also adapted tosend information to the server 116 from the device 106.

In another embodiment, the server 116 receives from the device 106 apatient identification. Based on this patient identification, the server116 accesses the patient=s medical history and the information regardingthe hearing device system being worn by the patient. Next, the server116 calculates a best fit procedure to obtain programmable audiologicalparameters for the hearing aid system. These programmable audiologicalparameters are communicated to the mobile device 106 so as to allow aprogramming of the hearing aid system.

One of the various benefits of the heretofore described embodimentsinclude allowing the professional to access the most relevant softwareand information to aid him/her in his/her task of providing the bestaudiological therapy through a hearing aid system for a patient. This ispossible because the embodiments allow storage of the software andinformation on a central server. The professional can thus access theinformation anywhere he needs to be to provide professional servicesneeded by the patient. Another benefits of the heretofore describedembodiments include the upgrading of software in the processingcomponent (not shown) of the hearing aid system 102.

FIG. 2 is a process diagram illustrating a method in accordance with oneembodiment. Process 200 is a business method. At block 202, the process200 includes deriving at least one audiological parameter by testing apatient to obtain at least one aural response. The term aural responsemeans the inclusion of a result obtained by applying a series of testson the patient; one test may include sending audio test signals andmeasuring the response of the patient to those audio test signals. Oncesufficient aural responses are obtained, the business method derives atleast one audiological parameter. The term audiological parameter meansthe inclusion of an adjustable parameter of an audio signal processingcomponent of a hearing aid system; although certain audiologicalparameters are general and are available for adjustment across differenttypes of hearing aid systems, other audiological parameter may bespecific for a particular brand and made of a hearing aid system.

The process 200 includes upgrading software capable of executing on thehearing aid system. The upgrading of the software depends at least onthe audiological parameter or audiological parameters that were derivedin block 202. In one embodiment, such audiological parameters serve asan index into a database containing the appropriate software that can beused to upgrade existing software executing on the hearing aid system.In one embodiment, the database resides on a server. In one embodiment,the software stores in the database is adapted to be distributable. Suchsoftware is adapted to be downloadable to a mobile device that iscommunicatively coupled to the server. At least one network is engagedto facilitate the communication between the mobile device and thehearing aid system and the server.

The process 200 includes charging at block 206 for upgrading thesoftware in the hearing aid system. Such charging includes identifyingthe patient, identifying the patient=s health care insurance,identifying the type of hearing device worn by the patient, andidentifying the type of therapy needed by the patient. The charging maybe accomplished using a billable account or through a credit-cardtransaction.

FIG. 3 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment. The structure 300 includes a datastructure to store a patient identification 302. The implementation ofpatient identification 302 includes using any type of data structureincluding a class or a structure. The structure 300 includes a datastructure to store an aural response 304. The implementation of theaural response 304 includes using any type of data structure, such as anarray or a linked list.

The structure 300 is adapted to be uploaded from a mobile device to aserver through at least one network. In one embodiment, the structure300 is adapted for tailoring an audiological therapy for the patient.

FIG. 4 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment. The structure 400 includes a datastructure to store a distributed application, such as an applet 402. Theapplet 402 is adapted to be executed on a device to interact with ahearing aid system so as to tailor an audiological therapy. The applet402 is also adapted to be downloadable to a mobile device from a serveron at least one type of network.

FIG. 5 is a structure diagram illustrating a data structure inaccordance with one embodiment. The structure 500 includes a datastructure to store a distributed application, such as a distributedobject 502. The distributed object 502 is adapted to be executed on adevice to interact with a hearing aid system so as to tailor anaudiological therapy. The distributed object 502 is also adapted to bedownloadable to a mobile device from a server on at least one type ofnetwork.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 6 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIG. 1. For these elements, the aforementioned discussion related tothem is incorporated here in full. The system 600 includes hearing aidsystems 602 _(A) and 602 _(B). The hearing aid system 602 _(A) comprisesa programming module 602 _(A1) and a hearing aid device 602 _(A0). Thehearing aid system 602 _(B) comprises the hearing aid device 602 _(B0).Whereas a mobile device 606 communicates with the hearing aid device 602_(A0) of the hearing aid system 602 _(A) through the programming module602 _(A1), the mobile device 606 communicates directly with the hearingaid device 602 _(B0) of the hearing aid system 602 _(B).

For illustrative purposes only, suppose a patient is being fitted withthe hearing aid system 602 _(B). During the fitting process, a piece ofsoftware may be executed on the mobile device 606 to interact with thepatient wearing the hearing aid system 602 _(B). Such interactionincludes sending audio test signals from the software executing on themobile device 606 to the hearing aid system 602 _(B). Such softwareincludes a user interface. The aural response from the patient is eitherautomatically sent back to the testing software by the hearing aidsystem 602 _(B) or is recorded manually into the testing softwarethrough the mobile device 606. Once sufficient aural responses arecollected, in one embodiment, such aural responses are sent to aprogramming fitting server 616 through the cellular/mobile network 610and the Internet 614; in another embodiment, such aural responses areformatted to form an audiogram before sending the information to theprogramming fitting server 616. The term audiogram means the inclusionof profiling from the aural responses so as to obtain the extent of thehearing loss of the patient. The programming fitting server 616 derivesat least one audiological parameter from the aural responses. Suchaudiological parameters are used to tailor an audiological therapy, toprogram existing audiological software, or to upgrade existingaudiological software. For the purpose of this illustration, theprogramming fitting server 616 derives an adjustment to an audio signalprocessing component of the hearing aid system 602 _(B). Such adjustmentincrementally tailors an audiological therapy provided by the hearingaid system 602 _(B) so that the hearing aid system 602 _(B) fits thepatient.

The foregoing illustrative discussion is also applicable in anembodiment that includes the hearing aid system 602 _(A).

FIG. 7 is a process diagram illustrating a method in accordance with oneembodiment. Process 700 includes, at block 702, interacting with aclient application that is executing on a mobile device. In oneembodiment, the mobile device is adapted to communicate using a wirelessprotocol or a Wireless Access Protocol. The term Wireless AccessProtocol (WAP) means the inclusion of an open communications standard(protocol and mark-up language) designed to bring Internet access andother value-added services to a mobile device. WAP defines anapplication environment (mark-up and programming language) and anapplication protocol. The application protocol allows WAP applicationsto be downloaded to mobile devices on demand and removed when no longerin use.

The act of interacting includes entering an identification of a patient,entering an identification of a type of hearing aid system that is beingfitted or worn by the patient, or recording aural responses of thepatient to audio test signals.

The process 700 includes, at block 704, communicating with a serverapplication that is executing on a server. In one embodiment, the serveris coupled to the Internet. The client application is adapted tocommunicate with the server application through a long-range wirelessnetwork. The act of communicating includes uploading informationgathered during the act of interacting, such as the identification ofthe patient. The act of communicating further includes communicatingwith the client application to download information such as aprogramming interface.

The process 700 includes, at block 706, determining at least oneprogramming interface to program the hearing aid system. The act ofdetermining includes using at least the type of the hearing aid systemto derive the programming interface. The term programming interfacemeans the inclusion of an application programming interface for aspecific type of hearing aid system; the application programminginterface includes a set of audiological parameters that may be adjustedso as to fit the hearing aid system to the patient.

The process 700 includes, at block 708, programming the hearing aidsystem. The act of programming includes adjusting the set ofaudiological parameters through the application programming interface.The act of programming may also include downloading new software toreplace the existing software in the hearing aid system. The act ofprogramming may further include downloading an incremental upgrade tothe existing software in the hearing aid system.

The process 700 includes, at block 710, tailoring the hearing aid systemto the patient by adjusting at least one programming interface by theclient application. The act of tailoring includes the incrementaladjustment of the hearing aid system so that the hearing aid system fitsthe patient.

The foregoing discussion is also applicable to an embodiment where aclient application is executing on a terminal.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 8 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIGS. 1 and 6. The aforementioned discussion of those similar elementsis incorporated here in full. System 800 includes a custom interfacemodule 806 ₁. The custom interface module 806 ₁ is adapted to becommunicatively coupled to the mobile device 806. In one embodiment, thecustom interface module 806 ₁ is adapted to be wirelessly communicablewith the hearing aid system 802 _(B). In another embodiment, the custominterface module 806 ₁ is adapted to be wiredly communicable with thehearing aid system 802 _(A). Such custom interface module 806 ₁ may beimplemented using Bluetooth technology or other equivalent technologiesto provide a proprietary wireless interface directly to the hearing aidsystems 802 _(A) or 802 _(B). One implementation of the customerinterface module 806 ₁ includes using a serial or data port (not shown)of the mobile device 806.

In various embodiments, a client application executing on the mobiledevice 806 can interact with the hearing aid systems 802 _(A) or 802_(E) through the custom interface module 806 ₁. The client applicationmay be in communication with a server application executing on aprogramming fitting server 816 through an Internet 814, gateway 812, andcellular/mobile network 810.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 9 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIGS. 1, 6, and 8. The aforementioned discussion of those elements isincorporated here in full. System 900 includes a personal communicationand information device (PCID) 906 or a personal digital assistant withwireless communication capability. In one embodiment, the PCID 906 isadapted to communicate wirelessly using technology such as Bluetooth orIrDA. The PCID 906 includes a pen 906 _(A). The pen 906 _(A) is aninputting device adapted to interact with the user interface of the PCID906.

In various embodiments, the PCID 906 is adapted to communicate withhearing aid systems 902 _(A) or 902 _(B) using a short-range wirelessnetwork. The hearing aid system 902 _(A) includes a hearing aid device902 _(A0) and a programming module 902 _(A1). The PCID 906 is alsoadapted to communicate with a programming fitting server 916. Suchcommunication may occur over a cellular/mobile network 910, gateway 912,and Internet 914.

In any embodiments that include the PCID 906, the PCID 906 can sendaudio test signals to the hearing aid systems 902 _(A) or 902 _(B). Suchaudio test signals are compressed before transmission. Once thesecompressed audio test signals are received by either the hearing aidsystems 902 _(A) or 902 _(B), the audio test signals are decompressed.These test signals are then presented to the patient. In yet any otherembodiments that include the PCID 906, the PCID 906 can sendinstructions to the hearing aid systems 902 _(A) or 902 _(B). Based onthe instructions, the hearing aid systems 902 _(A) or 902 _(B) generatesthe audio test signals using its audio signal processing capability.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 10 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIGS. 1, 6, 8, and 9. The aforementioned discussion of those elements isincorporated here in full. System 1000 includes a personal communicationand information device (PCID) 1006 or a personal digital assistant withwireless communication capability. In one embodiment, the PCID 1006includes a PCMIA module. In another embodiment, the PCID 1006 includes aCompactFlash module 1006 ₁. The CompactFlash module 1006 ₁ iscommunicatively coupled to hearing aid systems 1002 _(A) and 1002 _(B).In one embodiment, the CompactFlash module 1006 ₁ is implemented usingshort-range wireless technology, such as Bluetooth. In anotherembodiment, the CompactFlash module 1006 ₁ is adapted to be used evenwhen the PCID 1006 lacks short-range wireless ability. The PCID 1006 isalso adapted to communicate with a programming fitting server 1016. Suchcommunication may occur over a cellular/mobile network 1010, gateway1012, and Internet 1014.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 11 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9, and 10. The aforementioned discussion of thoseelements is incorporated here in full. System 1100 includes a terminal1106. The term terminal means the inclusion of a data terminal. In oneembodiment, the terminal 1106 is adapted to use a data service protocolsuch as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High-Speed Circuit-SwitchedData Service (HSCSD), Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE),Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), or Cellular Digital Packet Data(CDPD).

The terminal 1106 is adapted to communicate with hearing aid systems1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102 _(C) through at least one short-rangenetwork. In various embodiments, the short-range network includes aradio communication network such as Bluetooth, an optical communicationnetwork such as Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, or a wiredcommunication network. In one embodiment, the short-range network is awireless network.

In various embodiments, the hearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B),and 1102 _(C) include a hearing aid device. In various embodiments, thehearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102 _(C) are adapted tobe capable of audio signal processing. In various embodiments, thehearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102 _(C) are adapted tobe capable of digital audio compression and decompression. The hearingaid system 1102 _(A) includes a hearing aid device 1102 _(A0) and aprogramming module 1102 _(A1). The programming module 1102 _(A1) isadapted to communicate with the hearing aid device 1102 _(A0) so as toreceive at least one programming instruction from the terminal 1106 toprogram the hearing aid device 1102 _(A0). In all embodiments describedabove and below, the hearing aid system 1102 _(A) may include a headset.The headset is capable of detecting and communicating ambientinformation to a server application so as to provide additionalinformation to fit, program, or upgrade the audiological software of thehearing aid system 1102 _(A). In another embodiment, the programmingmodule 1102 _(A1) is implemented as a headset. The programming module1102 _(A1) is adapted to be capable of sending a test audio signal tothe hearing aid so as to test at least one aural response of a patient.

The terminal 1106 is also adapted to communicate wirelessly using along-range wireless network 1110. In various embodiments, the long-rangewireless network includes various wireless technologies such as GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division MultipleAccess-one (cdmaOne), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), PDC,Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code DivisionMultiple Access-2000 (cdma2000), and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony(DECT).

The terminal 1106 is adapted to communicate with a server 1116 throughthe long-range wireless network 1110. The server 1116 containsdistributed applications, such as a distributed object that is adaptedto interact with hearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102_(C). The distributed object is adapted to move from the server 1116 tothe terminal 1106 so as to execute on the terminal 1106 to interact withthe hearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102 _(C). In oneembodiment, the distributed object can receive information from theserver 1116 and can transmit information to the server 1116. In oneembodiment, the terminal 1106 includes a software environment, such as abrowser, that is capable of receiving a distributed object. Such adistributed object can execute on the terminal 1106 so as to interactwith the hearing aid systems 1102 _(A), 1102 _(B), and 1102 _(C). In afurther embodiment, the server 1116 includes a database that includespatient data and audiological data associated with at least one type ofhearing aid system. In one embodiment, the terminal 1106 is a customizedor application specific device.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 12 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIG. 6. For these elements, the aforementioned discussion related tothem is incorporated here in full. The system 1200 includes hearing aidsystems 1202 _(A) and 1202 _(B). The hearing aid system 1202 _(A)comprises a programming module 1202 _(A1) and a hearing aid device 1202_(A0). The hearing aid system 1202 _(B) comprises the hearing aid device1202 _(B0). Whereas a mobile device 1206 communicates with the hearingaid device 1202 _(A0) of the hearing aid system 1202 _(A) through theprogramming module 1202 _(A1), the mobile device 1206 communicatesdirectly with the hearing aid device 1202 _(B0) of the hearing aidsystem 1202 _(B).

In this embodiment, the mobile device 1206 contains all the software andinformation to interact with either hearing aid systems 1202 _(A) and1202 _(B) without having to interact with a server. In such embodiment,the mobile device 1206 can derive at least one audiological parameterfrom the aural responses obtained from the patient. As previouslydiscussed, such audiological parameters are used to tailor anaudiological therapy, to program existing audiological software, or toupgrade existing audiological software.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a system in accordance withone embodiment. FIG. 13 contains elements similar to those discussed inFIG. 8. The aforementioned discussion of those similar elements isincorporated here in full. System 1300 includes a custom interfacemodule 1306 ₁. The custom interface module 1306 ₁ is adapted to becommunicatively coupled to the mobile device 1306. In one embodiment,the custom interface module 1306 ₁ is adapted to be wirelesslycommunicable with the hearing aid system 1302 _(B). In anotherembodiment, the custom interface module 1306 ₁ is adapted to be wiredlycommunicable with the hearing aid system 1302 _(A).

In this embodiment, both the client and server applications reside onthe mobile device 806. Thus, the mobile device 806 does not necessarilyneed to interact with a server.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a system that includes a hearingaid device, a mobile device and a remote server. The mobile device isadapted to use of packets of data to communicate with a remote serverthrough a network. The hearing aid device is adapted to be worn by auser. The hearing aid device includes a microphone, a speaker, and asignal processing system connected to the microphone and the speaker. Aclient application is adapted to operate on the mobile device tocommunicate packetized data with the hearing aid device and the remoteserver. The client application is adapted to use at least one digitalcommunication protocol to digitally communicate packetized data.

CONCLUSION

Thus, systems, devices, structures, and methods have been described forfitting, programming, or upgrading hearing aid systems. In theembodiments where wireless communication is used, the processes offitting, programming, and upgrading hearing aid systems may avoid thefrustration of prior process due to the myriad of programming equipment.The equipment used in the described processes may benefit from runningthe most recent and relevant version of software. The equipment may alsobenefit from the ability to process data remotely or synchronizing ofdata. Professionals who are engaged in these processes may benefit fromthe ability to access a central database to store information as well asaccess patient and account information. Also, by leveraging the economyof scale offered by wireless information technology, the embodimentsprovide a solution that is low cost. This is the case because wirelessinformation technology is often built into mass-marketed mobile devicessuch as a cellular telephone.

Although the specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. It is to be understood that the above description is intendedto be illustrative and not restrictive. Combinations of the aboveembodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventionincludes any other applications in which the above structures andfabrication methods are used. Accordingly, the scope of the inventionshould only be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to be performed using a mobile deviceand a non-transitory application with executable instructions to beexecuted by the mobile device, the method comprising: receiving, usingthe mobile device and the application to be executed by the mobiledevice, digital transmissions through a wireless cellular network; andtransmitting, using the mobile device including the application to beexecuted by the mobile device, digital audio through a wirelessshort-range communication link to a hearing aid that is fitted to ahearing-impaired patient and that is configured to be worn in or near anear of the hearing-impaired patient, the hearing aid including: amicrophone to pick up sound and produce an audio signal; a processingsystem capable of processing the audio signal from the microphone into aprocessed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impaired patient andcapable of processing the digital audio from the mobile device into theprocessed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impaired patient; and aspeaker to convert the processed signal into an output audio signal andpresent the output audio signal to the hearing-impaired patient, whereinthe mobile device is a digital cellular telephone, and the methodfurther comprises using the digital telephone and the application to beexecuted by the digital telephone to access an Internet connectionthrough the wireless cellular network and to communicate with a serverthrough the cellular network and through the Internet connection.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein receiving digital transmissions through thewireless cellular network includes receiving packets of digital data. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein receiving packets of digital dataincludes receiving packets of digital audio data.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein transmitting digital audio includes transmitting packets ofdigital audio.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising using theapplication executed by the mobile device to program the processingsystem of the hearing aid to fit the hearing-impaired patient.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the non-transitory application withexecutable instructions to be executed by the mobile device includes adownloaded application that is downloaded by the mobile device throughthe wireless cellular network.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thedigital telephone is configured to store and execute a browser, themethod further comprising using the browser and Internet communicationto access the server.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the wirelessshort-range communication link includes a Bluetooth digital wirelessprotocol.
 9. A non-transitory application including executableinstructions to be executed by a mobile device to: receive, using themobile device, digital transmissions through a wireless cellularnetwork; and transmit, using the mobile device, digital audio through awireless short-range communication link to a hearing aid that is fittedto a hearing-impaired patient and that is configured to be worn in ornear an ear of the hearing-impaired patient, the hearing aid including:a microphone to pick up sound and produce an audio signal; a processingsystem capable of processing the audio signal from the microphone into aprocessed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impaired patient andcapable of processing the digital audio from the mobile device into theprocessed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impaired patient; and aspeaker to convert the processed signal into an output audio signal andpresent the output audio signal to the hearing-impaired patient, whereinthe mobile device includes a digital cellular telephone, the applicationto be executed by the digital telephone to use the digital telephone toaccess an Internet connection through the wireless cellular network, andto use Internet communication to communicate with a server through thecellular network and through the Internet connection.
 10. Thenon-transitory application of claim 9, wherein the digital telephone isconfigured to store and execute a browser.
 11. The non-transitoryapplication of claim 9, the application including executableinstructions to be executed by the mobile device to transmit, using themobile device and the application to be executed by the mobile device,packets of digital audio.
 12. The non-transitory application of claim 9,the application including executable instructions to be executed by themobile device to transmit, using the mobile device and the applicationto be executed by the mobile device, digital audio through a Bluetoothdigital wireless protocol.
 13. The non-transitory application of claim9, the application including executable instructions to be executed bythe mobile device to program the processing system of the hearing aid tofit the hearing-impaired patient.
 14. The non-transitory application ofclaim 9, wherein the non-transitory application is a downloadedapplication that is downloaded by the mobile device through the wirelesscellular network.
 15. A system, comprising: a hearing aid configured tobe worn in or near an ear of a hearing-impaired patient; and a mobiledevice configured to: receive digital transmissions through a wirelesscellular network, and transmit digital audio through a wirelessshort-range communication link to the hearing aid; the hearing aidincluding: a microphone to pick up sound and produce an audio signal; aprocessing system capable of processing the audio signal from themicrophone into a processed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impairedpatient and capable of processing the digital audio from the mobiledevice into the processed signal tailored to fit the hearing-impairedpatient; and a speaker to convert the processed signal into an outputaudio signal and present the output audio signal to the hearing-impairedpatient, wherein the mobile device includes a digital cellular telephoneand the digital telephone is configured to access an Internet connectionthrough the wireless cellular network, and to use Internet communicationto communicate with a server through the cellular network and throughthe Internet connection.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the digitalcellular telephone is configured to store and execute a browser.
 17. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the mobile device is configured to programthe processing system of the hearing aid to fit the hearing-impairedpatient.
 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the mobile device isconfigured to download an application through the wireless cellularnetwork, store the downloaded application in the mobile device, andexecute the downloaded application to receive the digital transmissionsand transmit the digital audio to the hearing aid.
 19. The system ofclaim 15, wherein received digital transmissions include digital data,and the mobile device is configured to transmit the digital data throughthe wireless short-range communication link to the hearing aid.